Multiple time Oscar Nominee Harrison Ford has officially be named to replace William Hurt as General Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Harrison Ford will make his MCU debut in Captain America: New World Order opposite star Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson / Captain America. Tim Blake Nelson returns from The Incredible Hulk (2008) along with Shira Haas and Carl Lumbly in the fourth Captain America solo film. The first solo Cap film to not star Chris Evans. Ford will reprise the role as well in Thunderbolts.
It had been rumored for a while now on that Harrison Ford would join the MCU as Thunderbolt Ross following the passing of Hurt, who played Ross originally, now it is official. Hurt played Ross in The Incredible Hulk, Captain America: Civil War (2016), Avengers: Infinity War (2018), Avengers: Endgame (2019), and Black Widow (2021).
Of course Harrison Ford is famous for many different films, but the top of the list include his portrayal of Han Solo in the Star Wars franchise and Indiana Jones. Now, he will star in another Disney-owned property.
Not much is known about Captain America: New World Order as the plot is being kept under wraps at Marvel Studios. However, Julius Onah has been hired as the films director. Malcolm Spellman, who created The Falcon and The Winter Solider for Disney+, will co-write the script along with Dalan Musson.
Thunderbolt Ross first appeared in Marvel Comics in The Incredible Hulk #1 (May 1962) created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby. Ross later became Red Hulk in Hulk #1 (January 2008) created by writer Jeph Loeb and artist Ed McGuinness. It is unknown whether Harrison Ford’s Ross will become the Red Hulk in the MCU.
Captain America: New World Order will hit theaters on May 3, 2024, while Thunderbolts will debut a few months later on July 26, 2024 as part of Phase Five.
